Corner shops, day care centres, car mechanics… small businesses provide vital services to the community.
But as the climate warms, many people are vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather.
Moritz-Chapelliquen: “As more and more disruptions end up happening… they have to face reality that this is only going to get worse as time goes on.”
That's Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen of Local Initiatives Support Inc., a national nonprofit.
To help businesses cope with climate impacts, the organization has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to provide a free online toolkit.
He said it's important for business owners to understand the climate risks they face, such as whether they are in a flood plain, and whether they can take steps to make their properties more resilient.
He recommended planning for different scenarios, such as how a business can continue operating during a power outage or how to continue service if customers can't get to a restaurant.
He said business owners must know how to access relief assistance and other financial resources if temporary closures are necessary.
Moritz-Chapelliquen: “This can be an emotionally heavy and burdensome topic for many business owners because of the potential for property damage or damage to a place that you're really proud of.”
But planning ahead can make recovery easier when disaster strikes.
Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media
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